DALLAS – Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Eugene Lockhart Jr. has been sentenced to 4½ years in federal prison for his role in a mortgage fraud scheme to swindle millions of dollars from home lenders.

Lockhart was sentenced Wednesday in Dallas after pleading guilty last year to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Lockhart and others indicted were accused of using fraudulent loan paperwork to deceive mortgage lenders in buying dozens of homes in the Dallas area. Prosecutors say some of Lockhart's co-defendants recruited potential home buyers with bonuses and promises of help with mortgage payments.

Lockhart formed several companies with names that referenced his career with the Cowboys, including "America's Team Brokers" and "Cowboys Mortgage."

Lockhart was drafted by the Cowboys in 1984 and played seven seasons for the team.